5 Important Things to Know about Hip Replacement Surgery

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Essential Facts about Hip Replacement Surgery in Des Moines, IA

  A total hip replacement is a major surgical procedure that brings relief from pain and stiffness in the hip joint. While most people have heard about this procedure, it’s common to not know much about what it involves. Here are some facts that will be useful to know when your senior loved one is having hip replacement surgery so you can help him or her prepare.

1. Younger Adults Also Need Hip Replacements

Although the majority of people who need hip replacements are older, there are some younger adults who require the surgery. Hip replacements are sometimes needed by athletes and others who experience injuries to these parts of their bodies. Younger adults sometimes overestimate their ability to recover well at home on their own. Home caregivers can help younger adults during the recovery process.

2. Seniors Might Need to Prepare for the Surgery

Going into surgery as healthy as possible is essential for a smooth recovery. The doctor might ask your loved one to work on losing weight before the procedure. Your loved one might also need to quit smoking and abstain from taking certain medications. The physician will provide a list of things to do, and it’s important for your parent to follow the advice, as he or she will be healthier and more capable of recovering faster.

3. Walking Is an Early Priority

Many people are surprised to find out they should be up and walking the day after their surgery. Moving helps the muscles, joints, and ligaments begin the process of healing, and walking gets the blood flowing to this region of the body. Fall-related injuries become a concern as soon as your loved one stands up. During your loved one’s time in the hospital, a member of the medical team will help him or her stand up and walk. Your loved one will likely use a mobility aid, such as a walker, to achieve this goal. Once your loved one gets home, he or she will need to have some assistance, since walking can still be a little challenging for several weeks. Due to limited mobility, seniors may need help with daily tasks in the initial days after hip replacement surgery. Des Moines homecare experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

4. Recoveries Are Lengthy

While your loved one might be up and walking right away, he or she still needs to plan for plenty of time to recover. Most hip replacement surgeries require six weeks or more of recovery time. During this time, your loved one will likely need assistance at home, since he or she might need to avoid doing things that require heavy lifting or anything that could cause him or her to fall and reinjure the surgical site. Receiving professional in-home care can help your loved one recover more quickly and efficiently. Homecare services experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

5. Lifestyle Changes May Still Be Necessary

Total hip replacements do enhance quality of life, but they aren’t miracle cures. There might be some things your loved one once enjoyed but can no longer do. For instance, your parent might not be able to run long distances or play contact sports anymore. Replacing these activities with other lower-impact types of exercise can help your loved one stay in shape and have fun without putting too much stress on his or her hips. Caring for a recuperating senior can be challenging for a family caregiver to manage alone. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Des Moines, IA, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us at (515) 264-2438 today.

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